Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Context and Background

• Event: India vs Australia, 4th Test at Melbourne, December 28, 2024.
• Performance: Nitish Kumar Reddy turned hero for India, making a gritty half-century at No. 8 in a challenging scenario.
• Inspiration: Reddy’s performance was critical during India’s tough battle against Australia on Day 3, especially during a middle-order collapse.

Key Highlights

1. Historic Record

   • Sixer Record: Reddy hit 8 sixes in the ongoing series, breaking the record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in a series against Australia. He shares this record with cricket legends like Michael Vaughan (2002-03 Ashes) and Chris Gayle (2009-10) for a visiting batter in Australia.
   • First Indian Century at No. 8: Reddy became the first Indian to score a century from the No. 8 position in Australia, scoring 100 off 171 balls.
   • Young Achiever: At just 21 years and 216 days, Reddy became the third youngest Indian to score a maiden Test century in Australia. His performance adds a remarkable chapter to Indian cricket history.

2. Partnership with Washington Sundar

   • The pair formed a crucial 105-run stand, with Sundar contributing with 40 not out. This partnership helped India recover from a challenging position, fighting back against Australia’s strong hold.
   • Score Progression: From 244/7, they added 82 runs in 24 overs, giving India a chance to avoid the follow-on and cross the 300-run mark.

3. Key Moments:

   • Dropped Catch: Steve Smith dropped Washington Sundar’s catch, a mistake that would haunt Australia as it allowed the Indian partnership to grow stronger.
   • Overcoming Pressure: Nitish and Sundar maintained solid composure and added vital runs under pressure, proving essential in India’s fightback during the match.

4. Conditions and Setbacks

   • The match conditions started to worsen, with intermittent rain and drizzling, forcing an early tea session. Despite this, India remained in contention, making the most of the opportunity when the conditions worsened.

Significance and Implications

1. Impact on Team India’s Comeback:

   • Reddy’s heroic half-century and subsequent century were instrumental in preventing a collapse and helping India build a fightback in challenging conditions against Australia.
   • The partnership with Washington Sundar showed the resilience of India’s lower order in crucial Test match situations.

2. Lessons in Determination and Adaptability:

   • The story of Nitish Kumar Reddy embodies perseverance and adaptability. His performance illustrates how youngsters in Indian cricket are taking on leadership roles even under high-pressure scenarios.
   • The determination to rise in adverse circumstances, as shown in Reddy’s maiden century and his aggressive yet calculated strokeplay, is commendable.

Key Takeaways for UPSC:

• Inspiration for Civil Services Aspirants: Nitish’s performance highlights the importance of perseverance and strategic thinking, which are essential skills for civil services aspirants. Even when faced with enormous pressure, Reddy maintained composure and delivered.
• Teamwork and Leadership: The partnership between Nitish and Washington showcases teamwork and leadership in times of crisis, which aligns with the principles of effective governance, leadership, and crisis management essential for administrative roles.
• National Pride and Sports Culture: This historic achievement in Australian conditions also reinforces the significance of building a strong sports culture in India. It aligns with the broader strategy of promoting sports excellence as a reflection of national resilience and capability.

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:

• International Relations: This record-breaking feat in a competitive sporting context can be linked to India’s sporting diplomacy and global recognition of Indian athletes.
• Sports and Society: Reflects the evolving narrative of youth, sports, and national pride, a theme relevant in discussions on national unity, youth engagement, and empowerment.
• Governance and Leadership: The qualities displayed by Reddy, including adaptability, strategic decision-making, and leadership under pressure, are crucial for administrative success and governance.